I never understand how something so small can terrify the best of us, but spiders seem to have the knack. Have students read this Minute and they will be looking for spiders everywhere - and maybe taking the idea of climate change a little more seriously!

English/Language ArtsExplore personal narrative

Personal narratives are stories based on a memory that are often connected to the emotions we experienced. Use this Minute as a mentor text to model one of their own personal narratives.

Explore using a story as a lead in an informational piece

This Minute uses a personal narrative as a way to introduce a highly informational text and make it more interesting and engaging to read. Have students use their personal connections to write introductions to informative writing pieces.

Explore using news articles to relate details of informational writing

Author Marx uses a news article to connect her topic to her personal narrative and transition into informational writing. Have students deconstruct this technique and see if they can replicate it in their own writing.

​STEMExplore climate change

Animals are often the harbingers of physical changes. Have student investigate other signs in nature that our planet may be changing.

Explore biology of spiders

Spiders are fascinating creatures. They take care of insects we would rather not deal with, and yet they scare some of us half to death! Have students check out the wonder that is the spider - their behavior, their food sources, and their role as predators in nature.

Explore venomous creatures

Spiders are not the only venomous creatures. Have students explore other sources of venom in nature and then follow the trail of human interaction with venom. Can your students discover practical uses for venom in the world of science?

Explore the engineering possibilities of spider silk

Take a look at a spider web. Head outside and explore the beauty - and the strength. Let students check explore the possibilities that a spider web presents. What inventions have come from people thinking about spider webs? What can your students imagine?​​

Research SkillsExplore subscription databases

This Minute presents a great opportunity to explore the subscription databases available to students in your district. Check with your librarian to find out all the possibilities, and have students use the search term "wolf spider" to locate images and articles. What kind of information is available for each source? What is the best subscription to use for these kind of searches? Why do you think so?